Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Is Not Just Being Tired

Recurrence of Rheumatoid Arthritis fatigue

A couple of days ago an old friend came to visit: Rheumatoid Arthritis fatigue. All of a sudden on Monday afternoon, it felt like it was 2 a.m. and I should be in bed. It looks like it may want to stay over for awhile.

At first, I thought I was just over-tired. That evening when I fell asleep early, I blamed the half glass of wine with dinner. The next morning, I was blaming myself for working too hard – intellectual not physical work, mostly.

Finally, after another day of it, I recognized my old enemy “Rheumatoid Arthritis fatigue.”

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis fatigue feel like being tired?

It feels like some thing is pulling me backwards. It’s not the stiffness that makes moving extra difficult. Or the ice-pick pain or tenderness I have in every joint. It’s neither depression nor hopelessness. It IS SOMETHING that making gravity stronger.

I don’t drink much caffeine, but I keep thinking all day long, “I just need a cup of coffee.”

Like most of us, I’ve lived on both sides of the fence. This is not the same as being tired. It’s more like being sick with the flu.

I can remember the “good” feeling of tired after working hard. This is not it – this is being sick.

But, I’m a warrior and I know I’ll get through this. I’ll eat healthy and take vitamins and meds… Through a combination of rest and pushing myself, I’ll outlive this like I have every time before.

NOTE: Yesterday, I sent out THE SPEAR, a monthly letter from me. Please check your email inbox for your copy. Or if you haven’t signed up, you can sign up here. It’s a short behind-the-scenes and from-the-bottom-of-my-heart personal note.

Postblog: In the midst of my too busy too tired day, I was treated yesterday to a Skype visit with Lisa Copen of Invisible Illness Week. Lisa has RA herself and founded IIW several years ago as part of her mission to help others who are suffering. Lisa also interviewed me for her virtual conference which will be broadcast September 10-14. Check it out!